Ricky Gervais' comic secret

Ricky Gervais insists he would never diet for an acting role because ''handsome and cool'' characters aren't funny

Ricky Gervais always plays "little fat blokes" so he doesn't have to diet.

The British comic - who rose to fame after starring as overweight manager David Brent in TV sitcom 'The Office' - always caters his scripts to allow him to play chubby characters because "handsome and cool" men aren't entertaining.

When asked if he would lose weight for a role, he answered: "No, because I write my own stuff, so I always write parts for little fat blokes. And even if I got thin, I'd still write roles for little fat blokes and wear padding!

"As a comedian, you've got to be aware of your inadequacies. It's not funny to be handsome and cool."

The 48-year-old star has also denied losing weight, and has put his apparently slim-line appearance at the recent Golden Globe Awards down to wearing a good suit.

He added: "I've only lost about five pounds. I think it was because the suit I was wearing looked good. I've never dieted. I've started exercising every day so I can eat too much cheese and drink too much wine. I couldn't lose three stone unless I stopped eating!"